KUKA flexFELLOW

The KUKA flexFELLOW is a versatile, mobile solution for industrial assembly. The robot unit can easily be brought to the site of operation where it is quickly ready for use. It can work safely with humans even in the most confined spaces – an ideal combination of advanced robotics and human know-how.

KUKA flexFELLOW: the flexible automation concept

Flexible and versatile solutions for human-robot collaboration – HRC – are much in demand. The KUKA flexFELLOW offers precisely the appropriate solution for these special requirements in the fields of industrial assembly: Its wheels provide the robot unit with mobility and bring the sensitive LBR iiwa robot exactly to the place where its activities are required.

You can change the place of use of the robot unit manually in a short time. This allows the human and the robot freedom of movement in the same space without safety fences, so they can work together on the same workpiece. This opens up new approaches in the planning of systems and allows fluid variation in the degree of automation.

The KUKA flexFELLOW is available in a wide variety of versions and with further options.

Advantages of the KUKA flexFELLOW

Spontaneous automationYou can switch within ten minutes from manual to automated – and from automated to manual within just one to two minutes. This brings you the benefits of increased availability.

Multi-functional capabilityThe flexFELLOW can perform a variety of tasks. It adapts to these tasks within a short time – thanks to its ability to change tools within approximately one minute.

Economical and efficientWith an average power consumption of around 500 watts the flexFELLOW exhibits very high energy efficiency. It also enables productivity to be increased by 30 percent while reducing space requirements with its maximum footprint of one square meter. This allows the flexible automation concept to achieve payback in less than two years.

Automation of plug-in processes

Watch how the KUKA flexFellow supports the workers and thus reduces their unergonomic activities.

The basic modules of the KUKA flexFELLOW

KUKA flexFELLOW is an overall concept consisting of various components. Interaction of the individual components permits the expertise of the human operator to be combined with the advantages of the robot.

Various solution modules can be configured within the flexFELLOW system. The base consists of a mobile platform with integrated controller and a robot. Appropriate tools are provided by the end effectors.

The mobile platform of the KUKA flexFELLOW

The location-flexible flexFELLOW platform is the basic module of the automation concept.

It is the mobile, location-independent base for the robot and brings it exactly where it is required.

You can choose between two height variants depending on the place of use and ergonomic requirements.

The basic module of the flexFELLOW concept is a mobile robot platform.

The mobile robot unit consists of

Function plate At each of the four corners of the scratch-resistant function plate of brushed stainless steel there is a corner hole pattern. This enables you to position the robot on either the left-hand or the right-hand side. The corner hole patterns allow stack lights, for instance, to be mounted with a smartPAD holder and optionally also an Emergency Stop device. A signal lamp with a KUKA smartPAD holder can also be attached at any of the corner hole patterns. A height-adjustable handle is available as an option, and for additional safety an Emergency Stop device can be ordered for it.

Optional pneumatic unit The pneumatic unit with a high-quality pull-out guide facilitates access to the installed components and also assists maintenance. Knock-outs make it possible to fit a stopcock and pressure sensor with an indicator and a seamless cover. An individually expandable application package allows you to put together your ready-to-use pneumatic solution. This consists of an oil separator, pressure reducer, stopcock with pressure sensor and indicator.

Base unit The flexFELLOW incorporates a robot and controller – it satisfies the standards of protection ratingIP 54. A cooling unit with an active fan or air conditioner can be integrated. Furthermore, an additional mounting plate on the inside offers still more capacity. Using the internal profile grid system you can attach additional and standard control cabinet components individually.

Transport unit with fork slots The rollers of the KUKA flexFELLOW assist you in transporting it manually over short distances. Longer distances can be accomplished using a fork lift truck with the aid of the integral fork slots. The parking brake on the rollers or the hydraulic lowering function ensures that the robot stands securely. In addition a stable position can be assured using pins and sword pins in association with the lower handle position. This is monitored by a safety-oriented sensor.

In addition the KUKA flexFELLOW can be provided with auxiliary trolleys from the flexFELLOW-family for all types of automation tasks.

The LBR iiwa

The lightweight robot intelligent industrial work assistant – iiwa – fulfills all the requirements for human-robot collaboration. Humans and robots work together safely even in the most restricted spaces. This is achieved by contact detection – the programmable compliance enables top precision when working on the components.

The LBR iiwa is available with two payload capacities: 7 or 14 kilograms